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The Sheet on Delta AirElite

Luxury Jet Charters: Delta AirElite is a luxury jet-chartering service that is owned by a major U.S. airline. The wholly owned subsidiary has been in business since 1984. Its highly regarded card programs are among the best plans on the market. The Robb Report recently honored Delta AirElite by naming it the Best of the Best for the fourth consecutive year in the Flight-Card Programs/Charter category. The Luxury Brand Institute also cited the charter service in its 2007 Private Jet Services Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) survey.

AirElite has an impressive fleet of light, midsize, and large jets for private charters. The lineup of 400 plus planes includes Bombardiers, Hawkers, Cessnas and Gulfstreams, and many more. Membership is not required to book a chartered flight with Delta AirElite, but it does have some noteworthy advantages.

Delta AirElite is credited with being the first company to offer card programs to clients. Flexjet 25 and Fleet membership are Delta's flagship card programs. The Flexjet 25 is a pre-paid program that enables members to fly exclusively on three of Embraer's finest planes: the Learjet 45, the Learjet 60, or the Challenger 604. Additionally, members of this premium private-charter program are entitled to Platinum Medallion status in Delta's Skymiles program. Members receive complimentary upgrades, priority boarding, special bag handling, preferred seating, and check-in privileges.

Discounts to the airline's private club are extended to Flexjet 25 flyers. Fleet members get free additional charter-flight time based on usage through Delta's Efficiency Bonus program. Roundtrip bookings automatically qualify members to obtain additional flying time. Fleet membership is offered on two levels, Fleet and Premier Fleet. Premier-level members are guaranteed access to the latest planes.

Delta AirElite offers two levels of fleet-management service to private and corporate jet owners. The Turnkey services handle every aspect of jet ownership, including administrative, regulatory, and operational details. Benefits provided to clients include discounted fuel rates, crew training from major training providers at reduced rates, and insurance coverage at a fleet rate.

For LxM James Rothaar